WorldFrance’s culture of violent policing means the battle for its streets is far from over

France’s police are positioned as enforcers of state authority, charged with repressing rather than managing dissent. The article links forceful responses to protests to the country’s centralised state, political structure and history of street mobilisation, arguing that aggressive tactics can intensify confrontations and alienate peaceful demonstrators.

Francepolicingprotestspublic order

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-10-20 16:49Original